Drawing Breath

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2012-01-22T12:53:00.000-06:00

Despite the mild winter (so far) in Chicago I've been laid low by a cold that just won't quit. My energy is slowly coming back so there is a light at the end of this tunnel!

Our monthly winter-Monday sketch group met at Union Station. It was strangely quiet and empty – the station not the group! The group was small in number but, as usual, animated with enthusiasm. The feeling of emptiness and quiet was magnified by disappearing holiday decorations. This sketch shows it seems that I always start out aiming to tackle the architecture but end up people watching and drawing!

Belated but hearty Happy New Year to all!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T15:09:00.001-06:00

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays…

Thank you for stopping by throughout the year. Your encouragement and comments mean a lot to me. For those of you kind enough to follow this blog I promise to post more often during 2012!

Ah the Road and Intentions!

2011-11-16T19:37:00.001-06:00

Here are more two exercises from One Drawing a Day. I'm not moving along daily as I had hoped to do. I'm learning that I must make time to do the exercises and I am getting better at that-not great but better.

#2 is done with dip pens and ink. It's a little tighter than I'd hoped but I did get caught up in the drawing.

#3 was done with bamboo pens and ink. They are "Celestial Dancing Beauties" from Cambodia. There are four of them but the fourth one didn't make the page. They're in the Art Institute of Chicago's Southeast Asia collection. I had great fun doing this drawing. I really got caught up in the movement of the figures.

Another habit I'm trying to cultivate is to withhold judgment and "just do it."

One a Day - Like Vitamins!

2011-11-09T18:37:00.001-06:00

This is the first exercise from One Drawing a Day by Veronica Lawlor. I've done a few exercises at random. Now the plan is to start at the beginning and go all the way through - a good way to end the year and prepare for meeting new art goals in in the next! One of my favorite phrases from Day 1 is "experience the drawing."

To Everything There is a Season

2011-11-04T09:03:00.001-05:00

These are the last of the zinnia and marigold from the deck. There are a few mums and pansies out there now. The garden (I use the term loosely) was great this year. I don't know, it seemed to thrive on benign neglect.

Drawing and sketching, however doesn't work that way. I bought the book One Drawing a Day by Veronica Lawlor, whose work I love, and hope to work my way through it. I'm looking to loosen up and just do it and enjoy it. I think doing a quick lesson a day will help. This is lesson 2, working with dip pens and ink. I never use dip pens but I really had fun with this. I couldn't resist adding color!

Ob-La-Di

2011-11-01T18:43:00.003-05:00

Here are a few scribbles from the last few weeks. I've been really busy with work, play, computer glitches and just plain "stuff". Computer glitches people understand but somehow when you tell them that you're busy at work with so many drawings to do you don't get much sympathy! LOL

As Time Goes By…

2011-10-19T19:52:00.001-05:00

For Morgan, who doesn't remember when she was the Doodlebops' #1 fan and went to her first concert. This was a quick little sketch I did one day when I was baby sitting and she was watching the Doodlebops.

Homeward Bound

2011-10-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

A three hour flight delay seemed like a suitable end to our trip, a trip that included a sick pup and several trips to the vet, getting rear ended on the Freeway, having a debit card deactivated because we didn't tell them we'd be using it out of state (it only took a quick phone call to fix that!), and lots of fun and laughter with our grandson!

When we finally arrived at O'Hare the jetway jammed and we sat in the plane for another twenty minutes until they fixed it. You know what? It was still a great trip!

California Dreaming

2011-10-06T19:59:00.001-05:00

While we were in San Francisco we took a drive to Tiburon. It was a wonderful day. Lunch by the water, leisurely stroll around the town and a little shopping. I went into the fabulous shop Nasimiyu. The artist makes incredible jewelry from African beads. Awe doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. To bad my budget didn't allow for a $5000 souvenir!

Ode to Joy

2011-10-04T16:52:00.001-05:00

Sketching AND chocolate-need I say more?

More from SF

2011-09-30T16:54:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe we've been home for almost two weeks. There is finally a light at the end of the catch up tunnel!

These two quick sketches were done in the Presidio, one of the prettiest places in San Francisco. It's home to the Walt Disney Museum and LucasArts and LucasFilm not to mention it's rich military history. While we were there Hillary Clinton and Leon Panetta visited. I'll bet we had more fun.

My Life as a Sitcom

2011-09-25T00:05:00.000-05:00

We spent two great weeks in San Francisco babysitting for our two and a half year old grandson. Notice I didn't say vacation, it was an adventure filled with mishaps, silliness, work and joy. Grandson, Nana, and Poppy did great but the Granddog not so much. He took sick while we were there, peripheral vestibular disease, but is recovering nicely.

With the added vet visits to our days and keeping up with a toddler's boundless energy I didn't get much sketching done. (Ah yes, what was I thinking? I do recall those days from long ago!) I did do some. I've discovered the Stonehenge sketchbooks and love them. The paper takes watercolor well. I have the 7 inch square one and like that format. I just wish it wasn't spiral bound. I find that, for me, it discourages 2 page spreads.

Hide and Seek the Chicago Way

2011-08-29T11:37:00.001-05:00

With all that went on weather wise on the east coast this weekend, a little Chicago morning fog is child's play!

Pencil #2

2011-08-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

There's Something about a Pencil

2011-08-23T14:43:00.001-05:00

At our regular Monday sketch group, in my quest to loosen up, I started out trying to use only my brush with no pencil marks to guide me. I dove right in painting one of my fellow sketchers. But when all was said and done I couldn't resist adding pencil at the end. It just needed that definition to punch it up a little. I left the other sketch as it was.

We were working at the Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo. There were lots of tourists and kids enjoying the last days of freedom before school starts. I hope, when they stopped, chatted and commented, we inspired them to give sketching a try!

Not Everyone is a Winner!

2011-08-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday our Monday sketch group met at Belmont Harbor. Once again we lucked out and the weather cooperated! It didn't start to rain until we were packed up and on our way home. We really have been lucky (so far) this summer. It's either rained in the morning and cleared up in time for our meeting or the rain held off until we were finished.

The luck didn't extend to this sketch but I enjoyed doing it anyway.

Lazy Summer Sunday

2011-08-08T17:14:00.000-05:00

This is just a little doodle from a lazy summer day. With all the rain and hot sun our deck garden is quite the oasis in the city. It's a little hard on the flowers but the herbs are going wild. The basil is like a shrub. Yesterday I cut it back and made a ton of pesto. Today it looks as if I never cut it at all!

Fun in the Sun (and Shade)

2011-07-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

Monday's sketch group met at Millennium Park. I had a little trouble getting started. I was fascinated with the bright light and deep shade, so I went with it. I seem to be in green mode these days. There were pigeons all over the place until I decided that one was needed to punctuate the sketch. I had to wing it. (Groan)

To Market, To Market

2011-07-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

These to sketches are about the Green City Market in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The first one was done last week while I was there. The second one was done at home, today, with a "find" from the market.
The "find" is garlic scapes. Never heard of them? Me either. They just looked so interesting,I bought some to draw. I asked the farmer what they were and what do you do with them, besides draw that is(hum-I hadn't thought of drawing WITH them maybe tomorrow.) He said to use them like a mild garlic, chop them in salad or put them on the grill. Great to draw and even better to eat!

Read and Learn - Live and Learn

2011-07-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

Once again the Chicago weather put our sketch group's outing in jeopardy but, once again, in true Chicago fashion, the weather changed. The sun came out just in time. It was a gorgeous afternoon!

We met today at what I've always called "Caldwell Lily Pond Park". The group sketched here last summer. We enjoyed it so much we decided to return this summer. Today I read the sign (imagine -read and learn) and the name is actually "Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool".

What's that they say, "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"? Well, this place, no matter what you call it, is beautiful and a perfect place to sketch!

Before the Parade Passes By

2011-07-04T18:29:00.000-05:00

We started the day with a quick trip to the suburbs to see the Kohl Children's Museum's float in the Glenview parade. It was the perfect way to start the holiday!

I usually don't add things to the page before I start sketching but I figured why not give a try, it's a day to celebrate freedom!

Mixed Emotions

2011-06-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

With Athens so much in the news, it brought to mind this quick sketch I did at the their Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Though the unrest and protests were in evidence then as well, we managed to see much of the beauty of Greece.

If You Don't Like the Weather in Chicago Wait a Minute

2011-06-27T17:35:00.001-05:00

A few of us from the Monday Sketch Group braved the iffy weather to sketch at River Walk by the Du Sable Bridge (formerly known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge.) It was worth the risk! It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon and a great place to sketch. We'll return there again, I'm sure.

I'm glad I managed to sketch "architecture," something I usually don't hone in on, but how I sat there on the Chicago River and didn't paint any water is beyond me! LOL

Something for Everyone

2011-06-25T11:28:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful morning in Chicago! The Green Market was bustling and crowded. It reminded me of Ionesco's poem-

Love life everything--
pale lights
markets medley of
green lettuce,
red cherries,
golden grapes, and
purple eggplants--
all so extraordinary!
Incredible!
you get excited, you talk to people
and people talk to you,
you touch
and they touch you.
All this is magical,
like some endless celebration.

-Eugene Ionesco

I only had a few minutes to sketch but since I wasn't doing the shopping nor will I be doing the cooking, I'm not complaining!

…Just Not in a Row

2011-06-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

A sketch a day for thirty days–just not consecutive days–and only 29 (so far.) I really enjoyed this attempt at thirty sketches in thirty days. Though I fell short of the quantity and time elements, I did restored my joy in the sketching habit–which was the true goal.

Not Stopping-Just Slow and Busy!

2011-06-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more sketches. I am slowly getting back into the swing of sketching. The joy has returned!

I Think I Can I Think I Can

2011-05-24T09:05:00.001-05:00

Well, I missed three days this week but I think I can make up the three sketches. So it won't be everyday in May but,at least,it will be thirty one sketches!

La La La La Life Goes On

2011-05-23T06:36:00.000-05:00

A houseful of grandchildren and their parents slowed me down a little this week. I'm not complaining. It was a happy chaos. Here are the sketches that I've scanned so far. I'll catch up later this week.

Two Down

2011-05-14T21:14:00.000-05:00

Two weeks have gone by since I started my thirty day sketch-a-thon. Well, actually, it's thirty one since it's every day in May.

I've surprised myself at how relaxed I am about this. Usually when I set a goal I become a driven fool. This time I'm enjoying the journey.

Staying on Track

2011-05-10T10:08:00.000-05:00

Seven Days and Counting

2011-05-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

Still struggling to get out of my drawing slump, I've been perusing the many wonderful artist blogs I visit. One of these great bloggers wrote about the benefit of drawing everyday for thirty days even if all you could muster was a scribble. I wish I could remember whose blog it was! If you read Drawing Breath and recently posted about drawing for thirty days in a row, please, let me know and I'll give credit where credit is due.

All that being said, I read the post and decided to give it a go. May 1 was the start day. So while I'm not officially part of the Every Day in May group I guess unofficially I am. I'm easily distracted, as the piles of ongoing projects in my studio prove, but I'm bound and determined to do this. (Please note, I waited a week to see how really bound and determined I might be before posting about it! LOL)

What a World!

2011-05-02T10:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend gave us extraordinary examples of faith, love and hope - the faith of Blessed John Paul II, the love of the royal newlyweds and our hope that peace among all faiths and countries will be ours someday.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-04-25T12:34:00.004-05:00

In the sun it was warm. In the shade it was cold. All over it was windy. I'm glad I dressed as if I were going to a hockey game. It was Chicago and the Cubs won- the one time we were rooting for the other team! (LA Dodgers) Those childhood Brooklyn-roots go deep.

Hello Out There!

2011-04-22T16:30:00.007-05:00

It has been a VERY long time since my last post. I don't know what happened but it did. The old creative block hit me - hard! All my creative energy was consumed by the computer and there was nothing left for sketchbooks and paper.

The muse didn't give up on me and a scheduled trip to San Francisco coincided with the World Wide Sketchcrawl for Japan on Saturday, April 16. I was able to take a couple of hours to sketch with the San Francisco group at Dolores Park. And what a group it was, my guess, there were at least fifty people sketching around the Mission. Thank you all for your hospitality! And thanks to my husband and family who encouraged "Nana" to go. I'm a little rusty but hope I'm getting back into the groove.

Here are two more from the week.

What a Difference…?

2011-01-12T21:00:00.004-06:00

Today I was putting away my 2010 prayer journal and checked to see what I had done a year ago. How many times do we hear or say "What a difference a year makes"? In this case sadly it isn't true.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T08:35:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you all for stopping by my blog and for your kind and encouraging comments. I really do appreciate it.

Thank you, too, for sharing your work. I learn something from each of you!

Sailing O'er the Bounty Main

2010-12-13T09:42:00.009-06:00

Going away for three weeks in November wreaks havoc on Christmas planning and organization. I do plan to post my sketches from the trip eventually but today I had to post these randoms sketches from days at sea.

The first one is the view looking down, the second is Stromboli, and the third group are sketches from the solarium done on a day at sea.

According to the news today, The Brilliance of the Seas, the ship we were on last month, was caught in a huge storm in the Mediterranean. It's hard to imagine a ship of that size being tossed around like a toy boat but it was. We had a smooth ride the entire time and the crew was fabulous. I hope all is well on board.

Home from the Sea

2010-11-30T11:27:00.005-06:00

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way,
where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
From Salt-Water Poems and Ballads, by John Masefield

We had a wonderful and long vacation. As I slowly dig out from the daily flotsam and jetsam of life that collected at home while we were gone for almost three weeks, I'll post some of my sketches. I sketched more than I thought I would but, of course, less than I hoped! From five glorious days in Barcelona to quick stops in Aix en Provence, Florence, Rome, Athens, Ephesus, Santorini, Amalfi and back it was an unforgettable time.

I'm looking forward to catching up with what all of my favorite bloggers have been doing.

Running in Circles

2010-11-05T15:05:00.006-05:00

I didn't run in the Chicago Marathon (or any marathon for that matter!) but I did do some sketches. These were done at mile four on October 10. I post them now because I feel like I've been running around in circles getting ready for vacation.

The sketchbook and watercolors are ready to be packed for the road. My intention is to sketch daily. Well, you know what they say about good intentions and the road… Wish me luck!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T15:42:00.002-05:00

Monday, Monday

2010-10-20T15:46:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know it's Wednesday. This sketch was done on Monday at our sketch group's meeting at Millennium Park in Chicago. It turned out to be a beautiful day. I'm not thrilled with the buildings in the background but I am happy that at least I attempted them.

This was our last meeting until January. I'm going to try to still put aside the time on Monday to sketch by myself. The weekly outings have made me braver (still not BRAVE) about sketching in public.

The Plan Not Followed

2010-10-03T18:25:00.001-05:00

Last Monday our sketch group went to the Shedd Aquarium. I always go with a plan of attack in mind but rarely follow it. Monday was no exception. The plan was to work in Ebony pencil and do value sketches. Ha! The colors were so glorious I don't think I gave pencils a second thought and the watercolors came out immediately. The lesson I learned was it's hard to paint in the dark!

The Chicago weather is getting unpredictable so we're beginning our fall-winter schedule and we'll meet only once a month until late spring. Where did the summer go?!

A Page for December

2010-09-13T17:04:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day! Our Monday sketch group met at Belmont Harbor. It was the first time in several weeks that I've been able to be there so I did a lot of catching up - chatting. I did get these quick captures done. Just enough for a visual respite come December!

Still Plugging Away!

2010-09-11T17:27:00.001-05:00

Two more assignments done! I rarely use backgrounds in my journals. I like my "white space". But I had fun doing these samples and will work on adding more backgrounds in the future. In the second assignment I played with the enlarging the stripes idea and the plaid border from a previous assignment. That led me to play with the different points of view with the cherries. I should have planned better for the text. I ended up cutting and pasting over the original since there was a misspelling. The blank squares were left that way on purpose. I wanted a little breathing room, that "white space" thing maybe.

It's funny how looking at a scanned image can help you see things that you don't see at first. The double cherries would be more effective if I had the shadow cross over on to the background border.

I'm Late, I'm Late! Reprise

2010-09-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

This week has been as crazy as the Mad Hatter's tea party! That's my excuse for being so late with my assignments and I'm sticking to it.

When I opened a box of Bonkers Tea the tag on the tea bag reminded me of one of the borders that I did for the first half of this lesson. Tonight, I finally sat down with a cup of the tea and went to work. This is the second half of assignment 7 on borders.

More "Homework"

2010-08-27T11:45:00.001-05:00

Here's the first half of assignment #7. Numbers 1 & 3 use only pen. Numbers 2 & 5 use only watercolor. Numbers 4, 6 & 7 use both pen and watercolor. I

I did these much wider/larger than I think I would ever use them but who knows. A softer, more graceful border is missing and I should work on one. I'm not a ruffle kind of girl and who knows if I'd ever use it but never say never!

A Little Late and a Little Early

2010-08-26T14:52:00.004-05:00

A little late and a little early at the same time — I'm trying to fill a sketchbook a season so I decided to do lesson 6 for the Art Journaling Foundation class on the first page of the sketchbook I'll start using after Labor Day. I may go back and add to it but for now it is what it is.

Getting There!

2010-08-19T08:44:00.003-05:00

I'm catching up slowly but surely! I really struggled with the watercolor on this one. I was going for an Asian feel with the text running in vertical columns behind the image. Not quite there but a good idea. The text on the fortune paper makes the curve more believable. I like that.

I also like the fact that these, though still small, are larger than I usually work. One of my goals this year is to increase the size of my work.

I've got one more to do before tomorrow's assignment is posted-I don't think that's going to happen with three grandchildren visiting today!

Playing Catch Up-Again or Still?

2010-08-18T15:45:00.001-05:00

I'm taking Laura Ferlita's online, Artful Journaling Foundations class. I'm running a little behind in my assignments (hmm, didn't my kids and later in life, editors make me crazy when they said this?)but I'm enjoying it. Here are the first three pages. Only two more and I'm caught up!

Small Big World

2010-08-03T19:34:00.006-05:00

Last week we joined friends for a great evening under the stars at the Pritzker Pavilion to hear the Grant Park Orchestra. It was a beautiful evening. No need for the umbrellas we lugged along with our chairs and dinner! While I sketch often when I'm out by myself or with the Monday sketch group this is the first time I ventured to sketch while out with "people".

Little did I know that Drew Bryant was there too! I love what a small big world we live in and how Flickr shows it to us!

It's Not Easy Painting Green

2010-07-27T10:11:00.006-05:00

Our sketch group went to the Caldwell Lily Pond yesterday. It was a beautiful location but I'm still struggling with the Khadi paper. The paper is so absorbent that the paint just doesn't flow no matter how much water I use. Green isn't one of my "easy" colors either. I seem to go from dull to neon. It definitely was a green spot and I definitely prefer neon!

There was a huge frog in the pond. He made the loudest, strangest sound, not anything like I expected. He sounded like an air conditioner turning on - hmm, maybe it was his way to beat the heat.

I discovered that a Sharpie makes some nice lines on the Khadi so I think I'm going to change my approach in this book, maybe just sketching and eventually adding spot color later.

All in all it was a good day. A beautiful day, a beautiful location, good friends, good talk and I learned something!

I'm Late, I'm Late

2010-07-20T08:48:00.004-05:00

I'm finally getting around to posting this. Last week we went to see "Lookingglass Alice" at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago. The show was superb. The Lookingglass Theatre never disappoints. The best part, however, was watching the wonder and excitement in our granddaughters' eyes as they were engrossed in the chaotic wonderland.

LOL, I hope they don't try any of those stunts at home - worse yet, at my house!

Summer in the City

2010-07-06T17:35:00.005-05:00

Every summer I'm delighted all over again by the incongruous palm trees on Oak Street Beach!
We had a wonderful Fourth of July, sitting under those palm trees with family in Chicago, enjoying the beach, a delicious picnic and fireworks.

I hope your day was as happy and safe.

Where's the Happy Medium?

2010-07-02T09:40:00.005-05:00

These two sketches are from our Monday sketch group. The first one was done at the Chicago Cultural Center where we also viewed the Romare Bearden exhibit. The exhibit was extensive and covered his many ways of working. Needless to say it encouraged us to discuss and chat. I didn't get much sketching done.

The second sketch was done last Monday at the Lincoln Park Zoo's new Nature Boardwalk. There wasn't much chatting going on and I produced this overworked watercolor. It was still fun and it's always good to make time to sketch but somehow I must learn to strike a balance between socializing and sketching! LOL

Still Celebrating in Chicago

2010-06-14T17:14:00.003-05:00

These sketches were done watching T.V. over the series - and what a series it was!

The Khadi paper doesn't take the watercolor as I would like but I will learn to compensate. I've also discovered it's difficult to write on it. On the plus side, Ebony and Woodless Graphite pencils do make beautiful marks on the paper. I still love the way it feels and those edges are great! We'll see how things progress.

Where's Noah When You Need Him?

2010-06-08T22:52:00.009-05:00

We went to the Gospel Fest recently. Good music, good food, good friends but terrible weather! We still had a great time. Actually, it's the Pritzker Pavilion.

This is the first entry in my summer sketch book. It's made with Khadi paper. I'm not used to it yet but I think I'll like it. Have any of you used it? I welcome any tips you may have!

Spirit of the Gulf

2010-06-01T09:25:00.006-05:00

Thank you to Suzanne McDermott for inviting me to join this group. Please check out her blog for her poetic thoughts on the tragedy that is ongoing in the Gulf of Mexico. I have been fortunate to visit the Gulf of Mexico every year since 1994 and I'm always amazed by its beauty. My heart aches for the people of the area who are losing their businesses and jobs as well as their paradise.

THE SPIRIT OF THE GULF CHALLENGE:

Find a photo or other resource depicting some living aspect of the Gulf of Mexico before the oil disaster or
Tap into your spirit and use your imagination

Make a drawing, painting or other piece of creative work with love and gratitude for the beautiful life of whatever you're depicting.

Post what you make on your website, include a link to this post to Spirit of the Gulf Challenge
(or the facebook group — (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=127832103901693) and put the icon below in your sidebar with a link to this post (or the facebook group).

Now a facebook group at Spirit of the Gulf facebook group. You can link to your work there! (This should simplify sharing.)

Invite 5 of your friends or favorite artists to accept this challenge, include a link to this post, the facebook page, copy this description of the challenge and the icon below for their sidebar.

My Gulf of Mexico sketches.

What a magical sight it is to watch a Gulf rainstorm dance it's way to the shore. What silly sight it is to see me try and out run one! This was done recently from memory.

These sketches were done on site a while ago to catch one day of many moods on the Gulf.

To complete Suzanne's challenge I invite Elaine Magliacane, Dan Kent and any other artist out there who would like to share their vision of the Gulf of Mexico to join us in a visual tribute to the area, its people and creatures.

Shop 'n' Sketch

2010-05-29T14:59:00.003-05:00

Hooray! The Green City Market is open outdoors. The Market is open all year but in the warmer weather it's open outside in Lincoln Park. On Saturday mornings my husband shops and I sketch - a perfect arrangement.

I wish I had been bolder in my color choices, especially in the shadows, in this sketch. That's something I intend to work on as the season progresses.

Memorial Day - A Day to Remember

2010-05-26T09:33:00.004-05:00

I come from a long line of veterans on both sides of my family. My cousin, Tim, sent this to me in a forwarded e-mail. I don't know who wrote it but I would like to say thank you.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

TGFM-Thank God for Monday!

2010-05-13T14:13:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know it's Thursday. Monday, our sketch group went to Navy Pier in Chicago. The weather was cold so we opted to draw inside in at the Crystal Gardens. I've been so busy at work (I'm not complaining about that!) sketching just hasn't been on my agenda. This was a wonderful refreshing pause.

When I have had time to sketch I've been trying to loosen up so I avoided using my pencil as much as possible, though not entirely. I've also joined the Illinois Watercolor Society thanks to the encouragement of Carol Hennessy. I'm hoping it will inspire me to work more in watercolor and larger.

I'm grateful to all you bloggers and Flickr people for posting your work. I learn so much from you. Even though I haven't had much time to comment lately, I have been viewing and enjoying!

There's Something About a Kite!

2010-05-04T12:23:00.005-05:00

What is it about a kite that sets the child in us free? Last Saturday was Chicago's annual Kite Festival. We've attended the last three years and each year it gets better. Bring your kite, buy a kite there or make one there for free, you have no excuse not to take flight.

The professional kite fliers (how do you get a job like that?) were out with magnificent specimens, a squid that was the size of a bus, a cat the size of an elephant and a sea horse that swam in the wind, incredible. The weather cooperated. We had sun, clouds and wind, but no rain!

Two adults, two children, four kites, hm-m-m, we could have used two more adults. Our usual cohorts were working but we managed and had a fabulous time. All that fresh air knocked me out!

Busy and Distracted

2010-04-21T13:15:00.004-05:00

It's been a busy and eventful couple of weeks. I did make the time to go to our monthly sketch group. These sketches show I was more than a little distracted! The first one I sketched there but added the color later using the color code on the left. The second one, well, what can I say other than Koi don't hold still.

My plans for posting more this year seem to have fallen by the wayside but I haven't given up on them. I am still committed to it.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T22:36:00.002-05:00

Drawing Breath and Sighing with Relief

2010-03-24T18:36:00.007-05:00

Am I calm because I draw or do I draw because I'm calm or is the whole thing a a cover up for nerves? No matter why, it sure keeps me contained and focused. Luckily, this latest trip to the E.R. helped prevent a bigger crisis and all is well – or will be soon!

My family knows if you nap while I'm around chances are you're in my book. I'd just rather not do any more in emergency rooms

First Day of Spring…

2010-03-21T13:39:00.001-05:00

and what I wore.

Yet seemed it winter still…William Shakespeare

Serendipity

2010-03-14T13:55:00.005-05:00

We'll be heading out to San Francisco for a few days in April. I've pulled out some old SF travel logs and sketch books to browse through and possibly post a few oldies. Lo and behold, Cathy (Kate) Johnson (AKA Kate the Great to me) posted a great sketch of flowering tea. You can see her sketch here. Serendipitous!

These are two sketches done in 2007 in a Moleskine City Notebook, San Francisco.

Five and Fabulous!

2010-03-07T18:04:00.002-06:00

Morgan – excited to be five and having a Princess and the Frog birthday party! Happy Birthday!

USA! USA! USA!

2010-02-22T17:36:00.004-06:00

I spent many an early morning and many a late night in the stands in those cold arenas cheering for hockey teams! Good thing I love my son and the game! It was exciting to cheer last night but from the comfort of a warm sofa with a glass of wine in hand it wasn't quite the same.

Here are two sketches. The first one, from last night, is the EDM 261 challenge, draw something from the Olympics. I had forgotten how hard it is to draw hockey players in motion!

The other is of my son. It was done probably around 1987. He played from the time he was eight until his sophomore year in college when he gave up his hockey scholarship to come back to Chicago and major in art.

Clueless in Chicago

2010-02-10T11:04:00.006-06:00

I have no idea what kind of succulent this is but I really like its graphic quality. There is a new florist in the neighborhood, Christine Noelle Designs, and as I was walking by the other day I spied it in the window and couldn't resist.

The new floral studio is beautifully designed and the flowers are out of this world. I complemented them on such a wonderful space etc. and asked if they had other locations. "Yes." they said, "Dilly Lilly." LOL! Ten years ago, Dilly Lilly did the flowers for my daughter's wedding and, though a little out of the way for us, has often been our "go to" florist for very special occasions! Lost in the conversation, I didn't get the name of the plant!

EDM 257: draw a house plant

Caretake This Moment

2010-01-24T20:35:00.005-06:00

Each year when I begin a new journal I, like many people who journal, choose a word or phrase as the journal's focus. In the past I've chosen grace, savor and intention to name a few. This year I've chosen the phrase "caretake this moment" from the poem by Epictetus.

Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.

Quit the evasions.
Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.

Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.

When your doors are shut and your room is dark you are not alone.
The will of nature is within you as your natural genius is within.
Listen to its importunings.
Follow its directives.

As concerns the art of living, the material is your own life.
No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.

Give your best and always be kind.

It's prompted me to, again, start the Every Day Matters drawing challenges. Here are two I've done lately. The first one is a little over worked. I'm trying to loosen up in my watercolors. We'll see how I progress!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-01-13T10:59:00.003-06:00

I spent a delightful birthday "day" sketching at the Field Museum with our Monday sketch group. My intention was to focus on the architecture but I was quickly distracted by the people and exhibits. Maybe after ALL these years I should just accept that that's who I am and what I do. LOL
The second sketch was done waiting for the bus home. I huddled in the shelter. These brave souls stood out in the late afternoon cold!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-01-10T17:54:00.005-06:00

It's cold in Chicago! The sun did come out for about five minutes today.

Even though our Christmas decorations are down I just can't remove the holiday greenery from the planters on the back deck. Since we moved to the Midwest my favorite color has become red. I think it counteracts the long gray winters. Those berries will keep me smiling for awhile!

I want to thank Raena for reminding me how long it's been since my last post. My apologies to all who stop by to visit! One of my goals this year is to post more often - not off to a good start but that leaves me plenty of room for improvement. How's that for spin?

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T08:17:00.005-06:00

Let the heavens be glad and

the earth rejoice

for the Lord comes

to rule the earth.

Psalm 95

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I thank you all for stopping by and for your generous comments. Those of you that have blogs, they are great inspiration to me!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-15T09:20:00.006-06:00

Yesterday our sketch group met at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The holiday display of poinsettia, Chicago landmarks constructed from plant materials and the miniature trains was as enchanting as it was beautiful. When people wandered into the show house and saw the exhibit their faces lit up like lights on the trees!

The range of color from snow white to stripes to brilliant red was an inspiration to all of us in the group. It was pouring out so we really chose the perfect place to meet this month.

Having a cat in the house who has never seen a flower that she didn't think was a salad, I miss having live poinsettia around during the Christmas season.(She's worth it.) I just had to paint them. I'm trying to loosen up my watercolors and was pretty pleased with that part in this one. I wish I had added something to show the scale. This arrangement was huge.

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-11T10:44:00.002-06:00

Today my granddaughter, Sophie, turns three. We have the pleasure of her company all day today! Happy Birthday, Sophie, may you always be filled with such energy and joy.

Yikes! It's December!

2009-12-02T12:01:00.004-06:00

How'd that happen?
It seems I've been stopping at Starbucks for a moment to sketch as much as for the coffee! This one's on Rush Street. There was some good news in the paper this week. "My" Borders on Michigan Avenue was do to close this month but they've decided to keep it open for another year. I have no clue why. The second floor café has a great view of the shoppers and tourists on Chicago's Magnificent Mile and when you can get a seat the unsuspecting models are endless!

Noting November

2009-11-20T12:42:00.011-06:00

It's been a busy November so these sketches are scribbled in various books-what ever was handy when I picked up the pencil. They trace my wanderings from the Chicago History Museum with the Monday sketch group to the Art Institute's Terzo Piano for a delicious brunch to St. Lad's parking lot late in the afternoon to vegetating in front of the T/V. and a lot of Starbucks along the way! They are the "pause that refreshes"! (The sketching -more than the coffee.)

Playtime

2009-11-19T14:21:00.002-06:00

Reana has very kindly given me an award! Thank you!

The rules are:
I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word.

So here we go:

1. Where is your cell phone?…purse
2. Your hair?… chaotic
3. Your mother?… stylish
4. Your father?… sailor
5. Your favorite food?… pizza
6. Your dream last night?… forgotten
7. Your favorite drink?…coffee
8. Your dream/goal?… heaven
9. What room are you in?… studio
10. Your hobby?… sketching
11. Your fear?… unknown
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?…here
13. Where were you last night?… here
14. Something that you aren’t?… singer
15. Muffins?… blueberry
16. Wish list item?… letterpress
17. Where did you grow up?… didn't
18. Last thing you did?… invitations
19. What are you wearing?… turtleneck
20. Your TV?… off
21. Your Pets?… cat
22. Friends?… interesting
23. Your life?… good
24. Your mood?… relaxed
25. Missing Someone?… always
26. Vehicle?… PT Cruiser
27. Something you're not wearing?… shoes
28. Your favorite store?… art
29. Your favorite colour?… red
30. When was the last time you laughed?… lunch
31. Last time you cried?…forget
32. Your best friend?… spouse
33. One place that I go to over and over?… UPS
34. Facebook?… sorta
35. Favorite place to eat?… home

I pass this award to:
1.Margaret-beautiful color and patterns
2.Elaine- sense of adventure
3.Mitzi-lively and fun
4.Meredith-I miss your posts
5.Andrea-incredible-can't wait for your 'zine!

November has been busy. Tomorrow I'll post some of the scribbles I've done in the last two weeks.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

2009-11-01T18:05:00.002-06:00

I pass this corner behind the Newberry Library almost daily. The colors this last week have been astounding but today it's all brown -sigh.

Heh Heh Heh

2009-10-29T16:33:00.002-05:00

"They also serve who only stand and wait."

2009-10-22T20:17:00.005-05:00

I was putting away my last completed sketchbook and came across these sketches that I didn't post.

In the beginning of October I had jury duty, again. You never get the summons at a convenient time! But, there is something about sitting there waiting to be called that builds a silent comradeship with the others in the room, a sense of pride in doing your civic duty and the inconvenience of it all!

And then there's Starbucks where we wait to be served - though never very long!

(My thanks to John Milton for the title.)

More from the Seashore

2009-10-12T08:15:00.003-05:00

These are few more sketches from Longboat Key. The top one was done from Starbucks on St. Armands Circle in the morning. The second one was on the beach in the afternoon and the third was done one morning-that's Sarasota in the distance. They were done in a Moleskine watercolor sketchbook. In the bottom two some sand got mixed in with the paint and added really nice texture. I love happy accidents.

Loving Longboat Key

2009-10-08T16:08:00.009-05:00

We've been going to Longboat Key almost every October for the past fifteen years. It's a beautiful area. We stay on Longboat Key but take full advantage of the city of Sarasota and its wonderful museums, art galleries, great music, dance and restaurants. Of course it's always fun to eat and shop your way around St. Armands Circle on St. Armands Key.

It really would be paradise if it weren't for the "no-see-'ems", little bugs that make a feast of my legs! They didn't stop me from having a good time and doing quite a few sketches.

Muddled Monday

2009-09-28T17:16:00.010-05:00

Our Monday sketch group met at Mariano Park. I arrived late due to a meeting that ran a little long and never quite focused on sketching. We met there last week as well so I'm posting both endeavors.

The triangle park contains a small Prairie-style pavilion designed by Birch Burdette Long in 1900. Today, it houses a Whisper Cafe coffee stand. The glazed tiles along the eaves are beautiful. Long worked for Frank Lloyd Wright before venturing out on his own. One would think I would have attempted the pavilion-I must go back before the weather gets too cold and give it a try!

Alex, from Pencilscribbles, has joined our group. It's great to meet a fellow blogger! Welcome!

Hurry up and Wait

2009-09-16T08:50:00.002-05:00

I've said it many times but sketching does increase my patience for waiting!

New Week-New Challenge

2009-09-14T16:33:00.005-05:00

I live in Chicago, a city known for its architecture, but drawing architecture is one of my biggest sketching shortcomings. Today I tried out a Lamy Safari pen and sketched the Fourth Presbyterian Church from the courtyard on Michigan Avenue. The pen is great! The sketch -not so great. It has made me determined to improve. Hints and suggestions are welcome!

Remembered Still

2009-09-11T09:24:00.003-05:00

from September 1, 1936 W.H.Auden

I sit in one of the dives
On Fifty-second Street
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire
Of a low dishonest decade:
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
Obsessing our private lives;
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.
...

Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame

Out and About

2009-08-31T20:12:00.006-05:00

These are two quick sketches done on site. The first one was done at the Green City Market on Saturday. It was a chef demonstration. The chef was Rick Grish, executive chef of David Burke's Primehouse restaurant in Chicago. I got distracted when they passed out samples of heirloom-tomato bloody Marys! Yum. On Wednesdays, Chef Grish prepares a four course meal at the restaurant with items from the Wednesday Green City Market. If the pasta and heirloom tomatoes that I sampled are any indication of what to expect, it's a winner!

Today our sketch group went to Oliver Park, not far from Navy Pier. It's one of Chicago's best kept secrets, beautiful views of the lake and the city.

My Favorite Foodie

2009-08-22T19:52:00.004-05:00

To those of you have viewed my food diary sketches I must confess - I am not the cook. Most of those delicious sounding (and tasting) meals were cooked by my husband. Not only does he like to cook, he's great at it! Six or seven years ago he started to experiment in the kitchen. At first he was underfoot. Things changed quickly and soon I was the one in the way! I happily left the kitchen, rarely to return.

On Saturdays in the summer we go to the Green City Market, a fabulous farmers' market here in Chicago. My husband shops and I sketch. A good time is had by all!

The Best Laid Plans…

2009-08-18T14:23:00.005-05:00

For the past two summers I've belonged to a loose knit group of sketchers. We meet on Monday at lunch time in various places around the city. Sometimes there are ten of us, sometimes only three. Last Monday we met at the Conservatory in Lincoln Park. Chicago weather being what it is, we figured if the weather was nice we could sketch outside in the garden, if it was hot and muggy or raining we could sketch inside. The weather was cooperating so we had our choice. I opted to sketch inside. About a half hour into it the sky darkened. I applauded my excellent decision. I could hear the rain beginning to tap on the glass roof, then the skies opened! Who knew the roof leaked! You can see little splashes on my sketch. We were sent laughing and running to find dry spots to stand until it let up.

However, rain or shine, on most days I think we laugh as much as we sketch.

Flying High

2009-08-16T14:29:00.006-05:00

It was a marvelous day at Oak Street Beach Friday, sunny, warm and exciting. We watched the rehearsal for the Chicago Air and Water Show without the tremendous crowds that filled the beach on Saturday and Sunday during the actual show. Some of the jets going by looked like paper airplanes gracefully gliding by-that is until the sound caught up with the view. Awesome!

There was a great fundraising event going on at the beach sponsored by Honor Flight Chicago. Their mission is to honor and thank our WWII veterans by bringing them to Washington DC, at no cost to them, for a day of honor. Heartfelt and heartwarming, I wish them success!

I Need a Nap!

2009-08-12T12:53:00.006-05:00

My daughter's nanny had a family emergency and since my hours are usually flexible I've been pressed into (joyful) service for a few days. Oh, to have their energy!

Summer in the City

2009-08-10T20:13:00.007-05:00

It has been a very cool summer in Chicago up until this last week. We're now experiencing the summer in the city of Chicago that we all love to gripe and/or brag about!

These are quick sketches drawn and painted on site at Millennium Park and Oak Street Beach.

Playing Catch Up

2009-07-29T14:16:00.004-05:00

Why is it every time I go away for four days it takes me two weeks to catch up?

It was worth it though. One day playing tourist with family, one day devoted to the celebration of the baptism of our new grandson, two days of travel and poof it was over. After four, way too short days, I'm playing catch up with everything.

I did manage a few sketches. The first two were done in fits and starts calling on my memory. The two on the plane were completed on the plane. The welcome home committee was done just before falling into bed when we got home.

I look at these an can't believe the same person did them! Get a style, Lady!

Reportage-Telling (Drawing) It Like It Is

2009-07-16T12:36:00.008-05:00

These are two sketches from Saturday's class. Not great but they're a start. They were done at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. We're using a 14 x 17 sketch pad. This is a very different size for me. I usually work much smaller or much larger. Mark McMahon, our instructor, defines his work as reportage. He is an energetic and excellent teacher.

There is a definition of reportage here http://reportageillustrators.com/about-reportage/.
There are some fabulous examples on this site also. For me there is an energy and an immediacy to reportage that is different than journaling or illustration. It is telling the story of a place or event and the people in a sketch. I still haven't found a definition that explains it clearly. I'm at a point where I don't know what it is but I know it when I see it. I'd love to hear what you understand as reportage!

Good News-Bad News.01 and.02

2009-07-14T12:49:00.004-05:00

First the good news.01- the reportage class with Mark McMahon is back on and it is fabulous! He's a great teacher. Bad news.01 -the sketch pad doesn't fit my scanner so I'll have to photograph the sketches before I can post them.
Good news.02 - our Monday sketch group met at Water Tower Park on Michigan Ave. Bad news.02- I just couldn't seem to put into practice anything I learned on Saturday in class!

The horse and buggy moved on before I could finish but I do like the rhythm of the lines.

Monday, Monday

2009-07-07T08:39:00.003-05:00

Monday's sketch group met at the Art Institute of Chicago. It was a beautiful afternoon and we sketched in the south pocket park. There is a great fountain there and inspired by all of Laurelines' wonderful fountain sketches, I gave it a try!

I'm so disappointed! I've been enthralled with reportage drawing lately and it looks like my reportage sketch class will be cancelled. Not enough people signed up. I was really looking forward to it. Oh bla dee. Anyone out there have any good tips?

Proud as a Peacock

2009-07-03T09:30:00.003-05:00

I never realized how much the John Hancock Center dominates our view until the other day. My granddaughter, Morgan, age four, was here and drawing. I asked her to tell me about her drawing. "It's the Hancock building, Nana!" (Duh) I draw it often, too.

Mogan's version

Nana's version

Eyes Wide Open

2009-06-25T11:51:00.004-05:00

It's funny how things can strike you. I was driving along and got stopped for the light at North and Clybourn in Chicago-a place I've passed a hundred times- when the shapes and arcs just blew me away. I don't know if it was the lighting from the gathering storm that called my attention to the scene in a new way but I just had to put in on paper ASAP.

Hot Time in the City

2009-06-23T09:37:00.003-05:00

It was an incredibly busy but wonderful couple of days! WIth two wedding anniversaries, a birthday and Father's Day to celebrate with children and grandchildren we had a joyous time!

I made it out to the Monday sketch group but it is quite clear from the results that my mind was back at home with the crowd!

It was a hot day but the shade was deep and cool! In case you can't figure it out the little square sketch is a fountain LOL.